The World Sikh News is pleased to present the speeches of Sikh British Parliamentarians Preet Kaur Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi at the closing debate of the Sikh heritage and awareness month in the British Parliament.

At the culmination of the Sikh heritage and awareness month in the United Kingdom, the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs –the first Sikh female member of Parliament Ms. Preet Kaur Gill and the first turbaned Sikh Member Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi presented and the past and contemporary contribution of Sikhs in various walks of life of the United Kingdom.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Preet Kaur Gill lauded British Parliamentarians for acknowledging the contribution of the Sikhs in various walks of life of the UK –individually and collectively.

She pointed that as per the Census 2011, Sikhs constitute less than 1 percent of the British population but have to take in their stride more than 2 percent of the hate crimes in the country.

Rising above the bar of her Sikh constituents, she spoke on her commitment regarding the role that she would like to play for all communities.  She vehemently sought an end to discrimination of Sikhs in British society.

In today’s Parliamentary debate on ‘Contribution of Sikhs to the UK’, Tan Dhesi MP for Slough remarked that despite Sikhs only comprising 1% of the British population, their contribution to our society is huge.

In terms of current and future projects, amongst other things, he hoped for continuing Government support for the National Sikh War Memorial in London; and to encourage even more international links, including direct London-Amritsar flights.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi anticipated that with support, the British Sikh community, through its strong work ethic, will no doubt go from strength to strength and make an even greater contribution to British life.

The early day motion moved by Member Parliament Seema Malhotra, Dr Philippa Whitford, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Jim Shannon, Preet Kaur Gill and Sir Robert Syms on 16 April 2019 and co-signed by close to a 100 members of Parliament, for the Sikh Awareness and History Month declared that “this House extends congratulations to Sikhs celebrating Vaisakhi in the UK and around the world.”

Among other things, the Motion for the Sikh History and Awareness Month noted that 14 April marks Vaisakhi and the founding of Khalsa in 1699 by the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.

Slough MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, through email has informed the World Sikh News that, “During the course of the National Sikh Awareness and History Month, we have been able to celebrate Sikh achievements and culture, from our second annual ‘Turban Awareness Day’ to welcoming speakers on ‘Guru Nanak and Feminism’.”

It further noted that Gurdwaras across the UK have organised Nagar Kirtan processions in the UK’s towns and cities, helping to share the teachings and values of Sikhs and the assistance provided by Sikhs to the homeless and others in our communities and across the world through Langar and other Sewa, selfless service, including humanitarian relief.

Significantly, the British Parliamentarians acknowledged the success of Sikh Awareness Month in California, US and Ontario, Canada.